Most Discussed

Sometimes the bells and whistles get in the way of why recognition is so important in the first place. HRD outlines why the fundamentals matter

SafeWork SA executive director Michele Patterson has warned the state's businesses that bullying could result in fines of as much as $600,000.

“Employers have a legal duty to ensure that, so far as is reasonably practicable, employees are safe from injury and risk to health while at work – which includes psychological harm from bullying," said Patterson last week.

Employees should be reminded of their duties to avoid adversely affecting a colleague’s health and safety, while employers in the state are required to investigate, document and take action when notified of bullying incidents, said Patterson.

"Failing to do so could result in a breach of the act, leaving the employer liable to penalties prescribed by section 19 of the act," she said.

SafeWork said the maximum fine for a first offence is $300,000 and $600,000 for subsequent offences.

The regulator's message followed the $355,000 fines issued to a Victorian Cafe with regards to the bullying of Brodie Panlock, which preceded her 2006 suicide.